This website uses cookies primarily for visitor analytics. Certain pages will ask you to fill in contact details to receive additional information. On these pages you have the option of having the site log your details for future visits. Indicating you want the site to remember your details will place a cookie on your device. To view our full cookie policy, please click here. You can also view it at any time by going to our Contact Us page.

Key North Sea oil pipeline network faces closures after leaks

07 May 2013

The UK North Sea Brent pipeline system may have to close briefly during repairs to the legs of the Cormorant Alpha platform, Abu Dhabi National Energy Company (Taqa) said on May 6. The system, which carries 90,000 barrels of oil a day from the North Sea, was shut in January and March after oil leaks were detected at the Cormorant Alpha platform, operated by Taqa.

The Brent pipeline system goes through Taqa's Cormorant Alpha platform
The Brent pipeline system goes through Taqa's Cormorant Alpha platform

The 10,000 barrel per day (bpd) Cormorant Alpha platform is expected to remain shut for months to repair a leak. 

'Although no closure of the Brent System Pipeline is planned as part of this inspection, repair and maintenance programme, it has been and could in future be subject to temporary closure on a precautionary basis should this be required during this programme of work,' the company said in a statement.

Production from up to 27 oilfields is funnelled through the Brent pipeline, which passes through Cormorant Alpha. The Brent system was shut down as a safety precaution after the leaks were detected from other pipes within the same leg of the platform.

Taqa told The Daily Telegraph that it had now decided to keep the platform – which itself produces about 10,000 barrels a day – shut for several months' worth of maintenance.
If more leaks occurred during the repair process, it could be forced to shut down the Brent system again, the company warned.

"The leak was an oil leak but oil always contains a little bit of gas, which potentially then could be an explosion risk," said Leo Koot, managing director of Taqa's UK oil and gas business.




Contact Details and Archive...

Print this page | E-mail this page